We don’t want to ruffle any feathers, but we have to say it: there’s more to operating a successful law firm than practicing law. Sure, it’s a pretty big prerequisite, but at the end of the day, a law firm is also a business.  

And as businesses, law firms do need to consider things like online reviews, payment processing, utility bills, competitors, and positive client relationships—all of which revolve around providing an easy, convenient, and seamless client experience.  

But legal case matters are often not convenient or seamless. Even if you settle a matter easily for one client, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can successfully apply the same strategy to all your case matters.  

To build a consistent and positive experience for clients across the board, firms must prioritize streamlining administrative processes like billing and invoicing.  

Take, for example, integrating payments within your website. Not only does this improve your overall client experience—which is at the heart of your business success—but it also reduces the internal bottlenecks surrounding manual billing and liquidity.  

What are integrated payment tools? 

Integrated payment tools, also referred to as online payment tools, are built into other software solutions (think: your practice management or time tracking software) that facilitate easier billing and invoicing, increasing convenience for both your law firm and your clients.  

With online payment tools added directly onto your website, firms can significantly reduce the use of manual billing and invoicing with features like:  

• Online credit card or eCheck payments, with the option to keep client cards on file 
• Payment scheduling and recurring billing 
• 24-hour payment processing 

These features all serve to create a smoother payment process from start to finish. 

How law firms benefit by integrating payments into their websites  

It’s one thing to say online payments are great—and it’s another thing entirely to understand why integrating payments on your law firm’s website can be such a game-changer. 

A more positive client experience 

Today, nearly 90% of consumers use digital payments regularly , and 74% of consumers prefer digital payments over more traditional payment methods . It’s not hard to see why.  

Online payments are just easier. Clients don’t have to fill out a paper form, find an envelope, and remember to buy stamps the next time they’re at the post office. All they have to do is click through to your website and submit payment virtually. (And when they use a secure platform that remembers their credit card, clients don’t even have to have their cards on hand.) 

All in all, it’s one less step your clients need to take—and a lot less stress. It may seem like a small detail, but less stress for clients leads to a more positive experience with your firm, which means they’re more likely to become repeat clients, leave positive reviews, and refer you to their networks. 

Simplified billing administration 

Billing can be a tedious process for firms that manually bill and invoice clients each month. From manual time tracking and building each client invoice to mailing physical invoices and waiting weeks for payment, it can take more time to get paid than your law firm can afford.  

With a cohesive, integrated payment solution on your website, firms can reduce the administrative workload for their staff and automate the billing process. Automated invoicing software drafts preliminary client invoices based on automated time trackers, so firms just have to review invoices for accuracy.  

Faster payment processing 

When law firms use manual payment processes, it can take weeks or even months to process payments and get the liquidity you need to keep your law firm running smoothly. Instead, with CosmoLexPay, firms can get paid in as little as 12 hours following client payment. Plus, firms know exactly when clients receive their invoices and can follow up accordingly.  

This can save teams hours each week and reduce errors that could further delay client payments. 

The do’s and don’ts of integrated website payments 

While we’d love a platform that can become effective without any rollout or employee training, the world hasn’t figured out how to build that system just yet. In the meantime, here are the do’s and don’ts of online website payments, so you can get the most out of your integrated payment platform.  

DO give employees the time and resources to learn your new system prior to client rollout 

If your goal is to create a better system for your staff and your clients, take time to make sure that everyone is properly trained on how to use the system and can effectively communicate with clients regarding their payments.  

Give your team plenty of practice and dry runs ahead of time to ensure that client rollout goes smoothly.  

DON’T blindside clients with a new payment process 

Give your clients plenty of notice regarding your switch to a new system, with different communications over email and in-person meetings. Be prepared that some clients may not want to use the new system at all, and consider building in processes for long-standing clients who don’t like change.  

DO establish clear payment terms and expectations with new clients upfront 

The best way to avoid misunderstanding is via clear, consistent communication with new clients from day one. Review your billing practices and expectations with them multiple times, and make sure they have your policy available for their reference. 

Include your billing terms, when payment is due, and any interest applied to past-due invoices.  

DON’T wait to follow up on overdue invoices 

Don’t drag your feet and wait until an invoice is months overdue to follow up with your client. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to collect full payment. While the initial phone call might be awkward, weekly collections reminders are even worse.  

Want to reduce your awkward collection calls? Set up automated payment reminders to make sure an outstanding invoice doesn’t fall off your clients’ radar.  

DO use an online payment platform integrated with your legal website 

When it comes to streamlining processes and growing your firm, integrating payments on your website is one of the best ways to improve the business side of your law firm—so you can get back to focusing on getting results for your clients.  

Give your clients the easiest possible payment experience 

Rocket Matter offers law firms all the features you need to streamline essential processes. Alongside features like time trackers and batch billing, we also offer online credit card payment options for added convenience—and a powerful website builder that allows you to have a professionally designed website that fully integrates with your practice management system.  

Integrating payments on your website—and your website with your practice management software—leads to improved cash flow and more consistent revenue. It also differentiates your firm from competitors by demonstrating your commitment to an exceptional client experience.  

To see how you can benefit from integrating CosmoLexPay with CosmoLex Websites, schedule a free demo today.